He is cut from the final selection along with Chelsea full-back Patrick van Aanholt, who has been on loan at Vitesse Arnhem, and Manchester City centre-back Karim Rekik, who has been borrowed by PSV Eindhoven.

PSV goalkeeper Jeroen Zoet, FC Twente winger Quincy Promes and Feyenoord duo Jean-Paul Boetius and Tonny Vilhena have also failed to make the plane to Brazil.

Van Gaal told the KNVB website that it had been an "emotional" morning as he informed the players they would not be included in his squad.

"I spoke personally with all six players," he added. "I am very pleased with the commitment of those involved and proud of all their efforts."

Van Aanholt, 23, said he was "disappointed but also proud and happy" and felt he would be able to force his way into the squad in future, while Zoet, also 23, said he saw his inclusion in the squad in recent weeks as a "stepping stone to a future international career" as he awaits his first senior Ornaje cap.

Netherlands will be relying on the likes of Arjen Robben, Robin van Persie and Wesley Sneijder as they seek to progress from Group B, which also contains reigning champions Spain plus Chile and Australia.